What's Happening

ByLori Quallslqualls@mdn.net

Published
2:05 am EST, Thursday, February 21, 2019

Feb. 22-24: Matrix:Midland Cinema presents â€œPick of the Litter,â€� a documentary that follows a litter of puppies from the moment they are born and begin their quest to become Guide Dogs for the Blind. (photo provided) less

Feb. 22-24: Matrix:Midland Cinema presents â€œPick of the Litter,â€� a documentary that follows a litter of puppies from the moment they are born and begin their quest to become Guide Dogs for the ... more

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Feb. 22-24: Matrix:Midland Cinema presents â€œPick of the Litter,â€� a documentary that follows a litter of puppies from the moment they are born and begin their quest to become Guide Dogs for the Blind. (photo provided) less

Feb. 22-24: Matrix:Midland Cinema presents â€œPick of the Litter,â€� a documentary that follows a litter of puppies from the moment they are born and begin their quest to become Guide Dogs for the ... more

What's Happening

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Thursday, Feb. 21

Family STEM Night is set for 4 to 8 p.m. at the Alden B. Dow Museum of Science & Art museum at the Midland Center for the Arts. There will be exciting experiments, discussions and demonstrations as the wonders of science, technology, engineering, art, and math are highlighted. Admission is included with museum admission for the day, and free for members.

MIDLAND COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY will present a program on "Freedom's Road: The Extraordinary Journey of the Highgate family to Midland, 1806-1945, at 7 p.m. in the Little Theater of the Midland Center for the Arts. The program will be presented by Tawny Ryan Nelb, archivist and historian. Discover the extraordinary history of the Aaron and Caroline Highgate family, who arrived in Midland in 1882 from Canada. From Caroline's father, Lewis Woodson - a descendant of Sally Hemmings and born a slave in 1806 - to the Highgate children - Fred, Oliver and Ada - hear how the family's skills, hopes and determination contributed to the fabric of our community. The fascinating story of the Highgate family will be illustrated through photographs, maps, census records, and other unique artifacts from the era. Admission. MCHS members free. Tickets, 989-631-8250

Creative 360, 1517 Bayliss St., Midland offers Happy Hour and a Half from 5 to 6:30 pm. Come play, create, meet new people, and meet up with your friends. Drinks available by donation.

Join the Alma College Choir for a preview of its 2019 tour concert featuring sacred classics, spirituals, Scottish folk songs and more at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 21 in the Remick Heritage Center, Presbyterian Hall. Admission is free and open to the public; no ticket is required. Following the campus performance, the choir travels to Florida for concerts Feb. 24-28 in Naples, Marco Island, Fort Myers, Dunedin and Lakeland.

46TH ANNUAL ROTARY PANCAKE SUPPER is set for 4 to 7:30 p.m. at H.H. Dow High School cafeteria in Midland. All you can eat pancakes, sausage, applesauce, syrup, milk and coffee. Tickets sold at the door or from any Midland Noon Rotary member. Tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for children 12 and younger.

Lecture and opening of a retrospective exhibit of the Ernest Hemingway collection at Clarke Historical Library, Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant. The 7 p.m. event will feature Mike Federspiel, CMU history professor, Janet Danek, exhibit coordinator, and Frank Boles, director of the Clarke Historical Library, who will share insights about how the collection came to be.

Friday, Feb. 22

Folk Music Society of Midland has scheduled a free family friendly acoustic jam from 7 to 10 p.m. at Mount Haley Township Hall, 3020 S. Homer Road, Midland. Come to play or to listen.

Feb. 22-24

MATRIX:MIDLAND Cinema presents "Pick of the Litter" at 7 p.m. Feb. 22-23, and at 3 p.m. Feb. 24, in the Lecture Room of the Midland Center for the Arts. This documentary follows a litter of puppies from the moment they are born and begin their quest to become Guide Dogs for the Blind, the ultimate canine career. Tickets are $7. Purchase at midlandcenter.org or through the Ticket Office at 800-523-7649. Tickets also available at the door as space allows.

Center Stage Theatre presents The Women at the Midland Center for the Arts. The all-female cast brings to life a heartfelt depiction of romantic rivalry, toxic friendships, and the thousands of roles women play in their own lives. This comedy is filled with strong, colorful characters, a snappy supporting cast of many dozens, and an abundance of witty dialogue. Tickets. http://www.mcfta.org

Feb. 22-March 31

Barber, Parkhurst, Zureich exhibition at Creative 360 showcases the work of three men who each have a distinct and recognizable style. An opening program is set for 7 to 8:30 p.m. Feb. 22 at Creative 360, 1517 Bayliss St. in Midland. www.becreative360.org

Saturday, Feb. 23

DEAN SAMS of Lonestar has scheduled an acoustic show at 7 p.m. at The State Theatre, 913 Washington Ave., Bay City. Tickets. http://statetheatrebaycity.com

Jolly Hammers and Strings will play from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Chippewa Nature Center, 400 S. Badour Road in Midland. This is a free family friendly jam, hosted by Midland Folk Music Society. Participants may play or listen.

Sunday, Feb. 24

CENTRAL MICHIGAN SEED SWAP is set for 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Chippewa Nature Center, 400 S. Badour Road, Midland. Michigan's largest seed swap where there will be workshops, educational presentations, seed vendors and artisans on site all day, This is a buy, sell, trade event for everyone from the experienced heirloom seed saver to those just starting to garden. There will be fun activities for the kids, and food available from vendors. Admission is free. This event is made possible thanks to support from CNC, Small House Farm, Slow Food Huron Valley and Michigan Organic Food and Farm Alliance. Visit www.centralmichiganseedswap.com for the most up-to-date information.

Tuesday, Feb. 26

Exploring the limitless possibilities of taiko, the traditional Japanese drum, Kodo is forging new directions: traditional rituals recast as theater. Kodo's One Earth Tour will stop at the Midland Center the Arts for a 7 p.m. show. Tickets. http://www.mcfta.org

Thursday, Feb. 28

Rhythm of the Dance, an inspiring epic, reliving the journey of the Irish Celts throughout history with traditional dance and music, is set for 7:30 p.m. at Temple Theatre, 201 N. Washington Ave., Saginaw. templetheatre.com

Mardi Gras Feast, featuring live jazz, a piano bar and Creole-inspired entrees and French Quarter confections, is set for 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. in The Great Hall Banquet & Convention Center, 5121 Bay City Road, Midland. A silent auction also is scheduled. The event is a fundraiser for The Legacy Center. Tickets are $50 for adults, $15 for children 12 and younger. Cash bar available. Purchase tickets online at legacycentermardigras.eventbrite.com or at The Legacy Center, Whine, Chemical Bank or Eastman Party Store.

March 1-3

Sondheim on Sondheim, a musical revue of music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, is set for The State Theatre, 913 Washington Ave., Bay City. Shows are at 7 p.m. March 1-2 and at 3 p.m. March 3. The local production is directed by Mike Wisnewski. State Theatre Sondheim singers are Carol Rumba, Olivia Grenias, Stephanie Bale, Kendra Lodewyk, David King, Ryan Sequin, Kelley Gray and Zach Mason. State Theatre Sondheim Orchestra consists of Vickie Bowden, Sue Littell, Gaye Terwillegar, Susan Mercy, Cathy White and Mary Demand. Catherine McMichael is keys and orchestra leader. Tickets. http://statetheatrebaycity.com

Saturday, March 2

"Disney Junior Dance Party On Tour" will be stopping at Midland Center for the Arts for shows at 1 and 4:30 p.m. as part of the 2019 edition of this high-energy "musical extravaganza." The 90-minute interactive concert experience brings to life beloved characters, including Fancy Nancy, Vampirina, Doc McStuffins, Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and more. Tickets, midlandcenter.org or through the Center Ticket Office, 800-523-7649.

Center Stage Choirs' Made in Michigan Concert Series presents mezzo soprano Kindra Scharich during an evening of Lieder with collaborative pianist George Fee at 7:30 p.m. at Midland Center for the Arts. This will be a wonderful night of music featuring deep and meaningful texts enhanced by the virtuosity of the performers. Tickets are $19 and are available at midlandcenter.org, at the Center Ticket Office, or by calling 800-523-7649.

Friday, March 8

Witness Music brings Rob Gardner's oratorio, "Lamb of God" to the Midland Center for the Arts at 7:30 p.m. The project involves 150 people involved representing 31 congregations and 14 communities. "Lamb of God" features choir, full orchestra, soloists and narration that retells the final days, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Soloists include Patty and Brad Kennedy, and Jeff Larsen of Saginaw; Tara Ell, Erin and Collin Whitfield, Cody Prout, David Aukerman, William Stokes, April Millward, Barbara Hendrickson, Phil Jones, Aria Segura, Maggie Reed, and Jack Hunkins, all of Midland, with Megan Applegate and Doug VanHala as narrators. Midlander Jenny Lowe is Witness Music's president and artistic director. Tickets are available at midlandcenter.org or call 800-523-7649. For more information about the project, visit LambofGodMidland.org

March 8-10

The Home Builders Association of Central Michigan is hosting the annual Home Show at Central Michigan University's Indoor Athletic Complex in Mount Pleasant. The show takes place from 5 o 9 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Some 200 local builders and subcontractors will be present. TLC and HGTV star Vern Yip will host seminars at noon and 2 p.m. Saturday, with autographs at 1 p.m. www.hbacm.com

Saturday, March 9

Memories of the Rat Pack, a celebration of the lives and music of the three most famous members: Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr., is set for 7 p.m. at The State Theatre, 913 Washington Ave., Bay City. In two 50-minute acts divided by one intermission, the audience learn about the men behind the legend, enjoy 30 of their more popular songs, and experience a recreation of the famous night club act at The Sands Hotel in Las Vegas. Tickets. http://statetheatrebaycity.com

Backtrack, an a cappella powerhouse from New York City, is scheduled in concert at 7:30 p.m. at Temple Theatre, 201 N. Washington Ave., Saginaw. templetheatre.com

Tickets are on sale for "Visions of Cape Breton and Beyond" starring the fierce fiddling duo Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy on stage at 7:30 p.m. at Midland Center for the Arts. With this concert, MacMaster and Leahy share their legendary musical traditions of their hometowns of Lakefield, Ontario and Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, with an expanded show that highlights the talents, influences and stories of this amazing, growing clan through dancing, singing and, of course, world-class music making. Tickets are $47, $37 and $21 and are available at midlandcenter.org or through the Center Ticket Office, 800-523-7649.

Sunday, March 10

The Bikes of Wrath, a documentary, will be shown at 2 p.m. at The State Theatre, 913 Washington Ave., Bay City. Five Australians attempt to cycle 2600kms from Oklahoma to California in honor of the westward migration undertaken by "The Grapes of Wrath's" Joad family. Through chance encounters with everyday Americans, the cyclists expand on the novel's core themes of migration, inequality and the perceived land of opportunity. The group explores whether America has progressed since the book was written, discussing the wealth gap, immigration and the American Dream. Tickets. http://statetheatrebaycity.com

Maria Shaw Lawson (National Enquirer astrologer columnist) will host Maria's Midland Psychic Fair from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Best Western Valley Plaza Resort, 5221 Bay City Road in Midland. Admission. There will be an array of popular readers to choose from. More info at www.mariashaw.com

Tuesday, March 12

ASERE! A Fiesta Cubana, a spectacle of music and dance featuring the Havana Cuba All-Stars, is set for 7:30 p.m. at Temple Theatre, 201 N. Washington Ave., Saginaw. templetheatre.com

Wednesday, March 13

Friends of Celtic Culture presents "Waking Ned Divine" (1998) at 7 p.m. at The State Theatre at The State Theatre, 913 Washington Ave., Bay City. The lucky winner of the national lottery is Ned Devine, so taken by his good fortune that he now can't be waked, because he died from the shock of it! Ned's closest friends scheme to keep the prize money close to home. Tickets. http://statetheatrebaycity.com

Thursday, March 14

LIBRARY DATE NIGHT series at Grace A. Dow Memorial Library, 1710 W. St. Andrews Road in Midland, continues with a piano performance by Matthew Ball, the Boogie Woogie Kid. Ball's upbeat, family-friendly performances have delighted audiences throughout the Midwest and Canada and he has been featured on NPR. Another date night program is April 11. All events in the 'Library Date Night' series are free and open to the public and will begin at 7 p.m. in the library Auditorium.

Detroit Lions Legends will play the Gladwin County Crimestopper All-stars in Gladwin High School. The fundraiser will feature toddlers on football players' shoulders dunking the basketball, boys and girls helping football players with free throws and more. Halftime will feature free autograph and photo sessions with the players. Cost is $45 for families and $18 single tickets. For information, call 800-205-7174 or www.wolverineproductions.org

Heron Valley, a five-piece line-up of Scottish sound including bagpipes, fiddle, vocaols, whistles, banjo, will play at 7:30 p.m. at The State Theatre, 913 Washington Ave., Bay City. Tickets. Sponsored by Friends of Celtic Culture http://statetheatrebaycity.com

Vitaly: An Evening of Wonders is set for 7 p.m. at Temple Theatre, 201 N. Washington Ave., Saginaw. Vitaly is hailed as one of the most unique and innovative illusionists in the world. An Evening of Wonders is an interactive theatrical experience that takes the audience on a magical journey. templetheatre.com

March 15-17

Alma College Dance performs works choreographed by Rosely Conz, Ben Munisteri, Kristen Bennett and students at 7:30 p.m. March 15-16 and 2:30 p.m. March 17 in the Remick Heritage Center, Presbyterian Hall. Tickets are $15 for adults, $5 for seniors 62 and older, and free for Alma College staff, students and youth 18 and under. Seating is reserved. Call 989-463-7304 for ticket information.

Saturday, March 16

The Windows on the World Series at Midland Center for the Arts presents one of the few classical ballet companies of color in the United States, Collage Dance Collective, at 7 p.m. Presented in collaboration with Midland Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., Collage Dance Collective dances stories that resonate with audiences and transform the lives of young people through outreach and training. In addition to the works of Artistic Director Kevin Thomas, the company's repertory includes works by Nicolo Fonte, Dwight Rhoden, Kevin Iega Jeff, Darrell Grand Moultrie, Sir Frederick Aston, Camille A. Brown, Joshua Manculich and Shawn Hounsell. The performance ends with a casual post-show party. Tickets for Collage Dance Collective start at $15 plus fees and are available at midlandcenter.org, at the Center Ticket Office, or by calling 800-523-7649.

Maple Syrup Day is set for 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Chippewa Nature Center, 400 S. Badour Road, Midland. Crafts and hands-on activities in the Visitor Center will engage children of all ages as they discover the magic of maple syrup season. Watch the Midland Woodcarvers create projects and join traditional skills expert Jim Miller as he shares how Native Americans lived many years ago. Learn more through hands-on activities and demonstrations just outside the Visitor Center at the Wigwam. See the process of making maple syrup, take a wagon ride to the Sugarhouse where we boil sap into pure maple syrup. You'll also find an 1870s sap boiling demonstration, and learn how to make syrup at home in small batches. Enjoy a guided tour of the sugarbush and practice tapping a tree. Visit the Nature Center Store to find sweet treats and other nature-based items. A pancake meal is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Meal tickets are $6 for 13 and older, $4 ages 3 to 12 and free for 2 and younger. Event admission

Friday, March 22

Hells Half Mile Film Series presents "Three Identical Strangers" at 7 p.m. at The State Theatre, 913 Washington Ave., Bay City. Three strangers are reunited by astonishing coincidence after being born identical triplets, separated at birth, and adopted by three different families. Sponsored by Bay Arts Council. Tickets. http://statetheatrebaycity.com

March 22-24

MATRIX:MIDLAND Cinema presents "The Death of Stalin" at 7 p.m. March 22-23, and at 3 p.m. March 24, in the Lecture Room of the Midland Center for the Arts. When dictator Joseph Stalin dies, his parasitic cronies square off in a power struggle to become the next Soviet leader in this satirical dark comedy. Rated R for strong language. Tickets are $7. Purchase at midlandcenter.org or through the Ticket Office at 800-523-7649. Tickets also available at the door as space allows.

Saturday, March 23

1964 THE TRIBUTE, billed as the No. 1 Beatles tribute show, is set for 8 p.m. at The Dow Event Center. Tickets at Ticketmaster.com, Ticketmaster by phone 800-745-3000, or in person at The Dow Event Center Box Office.

April 6-7

Girls of Grace, a Christian dance ministry within St. Lorenz Lutheran Church, will perform at 3 p.m. April 6-7, at Temple Theatre, 201 N. Washington Ave., Saginaw. This annual worship concert will come to life with more than 200 participants presenting "SOMETHING BEAUTIFUL." Worship dance of many varieties, drama, live art and musical presentations, professional staging and costuming, media presentations and personal testimonies all come together to bring this inspirational message. templetheatre.com

Sunday, April 7

The Bijou Orchestra with trombonist Rob Killips is set for 3:30 p.m. at The State Theatre, 913 Washington Ave., Bay City. Tickets. http://statetheatrebaycity.com

Thursday, April 11

Husband-and-wife musicians Brian and Lynn Hefferan, also known as The Fabulous Heftones, will perform love songs, tunes, and ditties of the 1920s at 7 p.m. in the auditorium of Grace A. Dow Memorial Library, 1710 W. St. Andrews Road in Midland. Playing ukulele, banjo, and an upright acoustic bass, this couple adds their beautiful voices to create a fun-filled musical treat for audiences of all ages. Admission is free.

Friday, April 12

The Ultimate Queen Celebration featuring Marc Martel is scheduled for 7:30 at Temple Theatre, 201 N. Washington Ave., in Saginaw. Long praised for his vocal resemblance to the late Freddie Mercury, Martel spent over a decade earning his stripes as a rock frontman with the group Downhere. In 2011, he casually cut a version of "Somebody To Love" to audition for a contest spearheaded by members of Queen. Little did he know the video would reach 30 million views on YouTube and Facebook. Tickets. templetheatre.com

JIGJAM, a multi-award winning quartet from the heart of the midlands in Ireland, will play at 7 p.m. at The State Theatre, 913 Washington Ave., Bay City. Tickets. The event is presented by Midland Center for the Arts and The State Theatre.

April 25-28

The Village of Shepherd will hold its 61st Annual Maple Syrup Festival. Started in 1958, the long running tradition will once again feature pancake and sausage meals flavored with Shepherd's own, locally produced syrup. Returning events will include amusement rides, a craft show, car show, parade, live music performers, and more. http://www.shepherdmaplesyrupfest.org

April 26-28

MATRIX:MIDLAND Cinema presents "The Big House" at 7 p.m. April 26-27, and at 3 p.m. April 28, in the Lecture Room of the Midland Center for the Arts. Game day at the largest college football stadium in the U.S. presents a microcosm of America, as filmed by an esteemed Japanese documentarian, two University of Michigan professors and 14 students. Rated PG. Tickets are $7. Purchase at midlandcenter.org or through the Ticket Office at 800-523-7649. Tickets also available at the door as space allows.

May 10-12

MATRIX:MIDLAND Cinema presents "The Wife" at 7 p.m. May 10-11, and at 3 p.m. May 12, in the Lecture Room of the Midland Center for the Arts. A woman starts to think about shared compromises, secrets and betrayals as her husband is about to be awarded the Nobel Prize for his acclaimed and prolific body of work. Rated R for strong language, sexual content. Tickets are $7. Purchase at midlandcenter.org or through the Ticket Office at 800-523-7649. Tickets also available at the door as space allows.

Sunday, May 19

Midland Community Orchestra in concert at 3 p.m. in the auditorium of Bullock Creek High School. Conductor is Gina Provenzano. The concert is free. A reception is scheduled after the concert. www.midlandcommunityorchestra.com

May 22-26

Cirque du Soleil presents Crystal, the first acrobatic performance on ice, for seven performances at the Dow Event Center in Saginaw. This one of a kind arena production blends circus arts and the world of ice skating on a journey into a whimsical frozen playground where figure skating mingles with acrobatics and aerial feats. Tickets are available for purchase online at www.cirqudusoleil